Farnese Chest

This elaborate coffin was commissioned by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese and is notable for its rich iconographic programme and numerous Greek and Latin inscriptions. Three Greek inscriptions show mottoes of the Farnese, namely "Lily of Justice", emblem of Paul III; "Strike like this", inspired by Hom., Il. 21.282 to symbolise Farnese's ability to get to the heart of things; and "We have sailed beyon…